For many of the participants, it must have felt like theatre season, extended. Students stepping into roles, speaking with intention, and representing perspectives larger than themselves. But MISMUN was far more than role play
The three days at MIS gave us the opportunity to participate in an event with true significance. It helped me practice my life skills, such as public speaking, debate and networking.” — Rita (First-year student, Honourable Mention)
From the opening ceremony to heated committee debates, structured lobbying sessions, and reflective closing moments, students engaged deeply with global issues, learning how to collaborate, disagree respectfully, and build consensus under pressure.
Learning Life Skills That Matter
Model United Nations is a powerful platform for developing skills that are essential not just for IB students, but for life beyond school: public speaking, research, debate, negotiation, and networking. Throughout MISMUN, students navigated fast-paced discussions on current global challenges, learning how to articulate ideas clearly while remaining open to diverse viewpoints.
“MUN gave me the courage to speak with intention and the humility to listen with care. As a UWCer, it shaped how I engage in conversations that matter—boldly, but thoughtfully.” — Zia (First-year student)
Another student reflected on the professional and diplomatic environment the conference offered: “I learnt a lot about global diplomacy, public speaking and debating in a diplomatic and official environment. The experience turned out to be quite fruitful.” — Achintya (Second-year student, Verbal Mention awardee)
Ten UWC Mahindra students were recognised with awards, but the learning extended far beyond certificates.
Critical Thinking in Action One first-year student’s reflection captured something deeper, how experiential learning pushes students to question not just global systems, but the learning process itself. “We talked about a better mechanism to regulate paramilitary and state-aligned armed groups, and the risks of AI being applied to the military domain… The discussions started to make me ponder the challenges of the existing UN framework.” — Wesley (First-year student, Best Delegate Awardee) He reflected on the tension between polished performance and genuine inquiry, an awareness that sits at the heart of critical thinking. “Insightful viewpoints, tough questions, and innovative policies will always emerge unexpectedly… I have a firm conviction that this is the process of what we call ‘critical thinking’.” His takeaway was not simply an award, but a deeper understanding of independent thought. “What really matters is not flawless performance, but the courage to face challenges and the choice to think independently.”
Why This Matters for IB and UWC Students
For students considering the IB Diploma Programme or a UWC education, experiences like MISMUN reflect what learning looks like in practice:
Education beyond textbooks, rooted in real-world issues
Communication and leadership skills developed through experience
Critical thinking and ethical reflection, central to the IB learner profile
Global citizenship, lived rather than taught
Model United Nations aligns closely with the IB emphasis on inquiry, international-mindedness, and reflection, while also building confidence and clarity of voice.
At UWC Mahindra, students are encouraged not just to speak well, but to think deeply, listen carefully, and engage meaningfully with the world around them. MISMUN 2026 was a reminder that some of the most powerful learning happens when students are trusted to step forward, take risks, and think for themselves.